Tullamore Conquers Jackson Falls!

 

At Jackson Falls

It has been a little while ago since I’ve done my first trip with Tullamore Canoe Club.  They’ve asked me to do a few training courses and assessments over the last few years, and I’ve seen the group grow from experienced canoeists that wanted to try kayaking for a change to competent class III paddlers.

 

 

The club has put a lot of work into getting trained up, and for their first trip on the mighty Annamoe they asked me to show them the lines this weekend. Dave Crerar, who has done a lot of playboating work with the younger lot, came out to give us a hand.

 

 

Davey C, the new and improved version!

The level was medium-low on the gauge and plenty of rocks were peeping out from just under the water line to throw unaware padders off their line. The sun was out for the whole day though, it was warm and the start of the section from Annamoe Bridge down had been paddled before by the majority so there was plenty of time to get used to the style of river before we hit the more demanding sections.

 

A clear day: when do you see that in Ireland!?

There were some discussions on the right rolling technique and positive body position, and even though sitting forward seems a good idea, it is sometimes hard enough to put into practice… Trooperstown was paddled twice by everyone, a quick snack to get back on top form, and winding our way through boulder gardens we found ourselves at the lead in to Jackson Falls.

 

There are some very promising young paddlers in this club, but the senior paddlers are definitely to be watched out for as well: one of them (not mentioning any names J) had very clearly stated Jackson’s was not going to be paddled by him that day. On sight of Jackson’s however, he decided today was his day, and he was right! Clean line and dry hair included!

Some safety cover at the crucial points...

Hair was wetted by some, but not very many considering Jacksons was that nasty sneaky level. It’s all practice though, and your first time will always gives you the butterflies!

 

It ended up being a very successful day for everyone, and hopefully this trip will be repeated by the club soon! Thanks for a great day lads!

Another successful line down Jackson

Davey C, the new and improved version!

A clear day: when do you see that in Ireland!?

Some safety cover at the crucial points…

Where is this?

Great edge control!

A big smile!

Always a flat landing!

Liam hits the boof!

Another flat landing!

Boofing Practice at Trooperstown

Down the right and out you go!

Another successful line down Jackson’s

At Jackson Falls

 

Level IV, NUIG and Wednesday sessions

Settled into college life I can now hardly find time to update my blog. Autumn has arrived. All the leaves are brown, and the sky is grey. I went for a walk… enough of that now. First of all I am stoked to announce my recent passage into Level IV Instructorship, after a most excellent day out with Benny and Kipper. My partners in crime Darragh, Paul and Alex Stanley from riverstyle.com all passed their assessment as well so congratulations lads!

 

NUIG kayak club are a close knit team

Another great day was spent with the paddlers from NUIG that have the very useful tradition of having an instuctor training weekend for the people that help out with the beginners. They organised a day with several teach the teacher modules about warming ups, safety on the river, rescues, strokes and a lot of other stuff. I was really inspired with the turnout and enthusiasm and especially the expertise of the group there, and hope that other clubs might adopt a similar tradition.

Meanwhile, at UL, I’ve been doing beginner sessions behind the boat house and the Castleconnell. There is some great potential in ULKC and there has been a great turnout so far. The Lahinch weekend and the pool sessions have been successful as well, and I’m hoping for another big generation of fresh new paddlers coming out of this year.